Nicaragua: State of emergency declared due to malaria outbreak May 20

Event

The Nicaraguan government declared a state of emergency in the Autonomous Region of the Northern Caribbean Coast (RACCN) on May 20 due to an ongoing malaria outbreak. There has been a significant increase in the number of cases mostly in Bilwi, Rosita, and Waspam. According to health officials, there are currently 1300 confirmed cases of the disease this year in the region as of May 20.

Context

In 2015 there were 700 cases, while a total of 2300 were reported in 2016. The Ministry of Health reported a 46 percent increase in the number of cases this year compared to the same period last year.

Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, nausea, and body aches. Early symptoms usually appear between ten and 15 days after the contaminating mosquito bite. There is no vaccine but preventive medications are available. Pregnant women, HIV-positive persons, children under the age of five, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the disease.

Advice

To minimize the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, use insect repellent, wear covering clothing, and consider sleeping under mosquito netting if in high-risk areas. If you develop a high fever during or after travel in areas affected by malaria, seek immediate medical attention.